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Candy continues to hold its ground even as shoppers are more discerning amid ongoing inflationary pressures. 

Confectionery sales climbed to a record high of $55 billion last year, underscoring the staying power of chocolate and candy in a more value-driven environment, according to the National Confectioners Association’s 2026 State of Treating report. 

💬 “Americans today are making their purchase decisions with greater intention, and chocolate and candy continue to earn their place in the basket,” said John Downs, president and CEO of the NCA, in a statement. 

Why does this matter for brands playing outside of candy?

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Challenger brands have accounted for the lion’s share of packaged food category growth for the past decade-plus, and last year was no exception.  

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Little Spoon is taking another significant step in its mission to expand access to high-quality baby and toddler nutrition by opening the brand up to an entirely new consumer base: infants. 

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Here’s a look at leading headlines from around the food industry. Go beyond the headlines with Insiders access.

1. Trump Chases New Tariff Alternatives with Investigations Into Trade Partners

2. Pepsi Enters Meat Sticks With Standalone Brand

3. Collagen Rides Functional ‘Hype-Train’ Into Food Concepts

4. Target Plans Store Expansion, Prototypes ‘Food-Forward’ Concept

5. Hidden Veggies Pop Up In Breakfast Launches at Expo West

Gary Vaynerchuk believes the future of CPG might look a lot more like Pokémon than packaged goods.

In this episode, Gary unveils his new better-for-you gummy brand Very Luckee, and how he’s betting big on collectibles as a driver of consumer engagement. He also explains why he’s bullish on organic social media to power its growth and why entrepreneurs should embrace “micro quitting.”

Tune into the episode here. Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.